New bar for the deaf where you order drinks in sign language

A bar for deaf people where all the staff are trained in sign language has opened in London.

In a first of its kind, the venue will provide a social venue for the deaf in a club-style environment. Though ease and comfort for deaf people is the priority, the Deaf Lounge in Seven Sisters also welcomes hearing people.

Paul Cripps, 31, who co-owns it with non-deaf Domani Peir, came up with the concept after years of negative experiences in bars and clubs.

Mr Cripps, from Edmonton, has been deaf since birth. He said: “I’ve had problems ordering drinks, talking to fellow clubbers and sometimes even getting into clubs.

“The Deaf Lounge is open to both the deaf and non-deaf communities — I’m eager that it encourages deaf people to socialise with the wider society. For example the bar will play music as that’s really important to attract non-deaf customers.”

Deaf people can also experience music through vibrations. The owners said they plan to set up salsa, zumba and DJ workshops where deaf people will be taught to read beats and play instruments.

Ms Peir, 43, who handles the running of the bar, added: “We want this bar to be about fun too and make deaf people feel alive again.” As well as the staff being trained in sign language, other aspects of the deaf-friendly bar include bright lighting, so customers can see each other speak with signs, and pens and paper for writing messages.

There is a deaf security guard and deaf bar staff as well as a partially deaf DJ.

The fire alarm has a flashing light to alert deaf customers and lavatory notices are in sign language as well as written English.

The launch party on Saturday was attended by former Hollyoaks actress Rachel Shenton, a campaigner for the deaf since her late father lost his hearing following chemotherapy. “This bar is exactly what’s needed,” she said.